nounDate: 1781 1. a characteristic feature of American English especially as contrasted with British English 2. attachment or allegiance to the traditions, interests, or ideals of the United States 3.a. a custom or trait peculiar to America b. the political principles and practices essential to American culture

n. 1 a a word, sense, or phrase peculiar to or originating from the United States. b a thing or feature characteristic of or peculiar to the United States. 2 attachment to or sympathy for the United States.

Americanism A*mer"i*can*ism, n. 1. Attachment to the United States. 2. A custom peculiar to the United States or to America; an American characteristic or idea. 3. A word or phrase peculiar to the United States.